The predicted custody battle between Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown formally kicked off on Friday morning.

Bobby appeared in court in Orange County, California, to request legal and physical custody of the couple’s daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Following the court appearance, he explained: “I just miss my daughter. I miss watching her sleep, making her laugh, everything, it’s the simple things.”

“She looks like me - it’s like looking in the mirror. The goal is to see her a lot more and to be involved in the decision making in her life, the places she goes, the people she hangs out with. All of that.”

The case will return to the court late next month, with both parties personally arguing their cases - although Whitney is expected to tape her deposition in advance from her and Bobbi’s current home in Atlanta.

Whitney was awarded custody of the 14 year old when the couple separated last year and Bobby insists Whitney has been trying to “eliminate me from Bobbi Kris’ life” since their divorce was finalised in June.